What is the role of the sacraments of baptism and chrismation?

In baptism, we enjoy the new birth and the forgiveness of sins; while in chrismation, we receive the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Since the two sacraments are often performed at the same time, some Fathers talk about baptism in the broader sense which includes chrismation.

In the writings of Origen , he demonstrates both the specific and the broad meaning of baptism. He says, “In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the apostles’ hands in baptism.”¹³⁸⁴ This is the broad meaning of baptism, when combining both sacraments together. He continues later, “Lastly, for this reason was the grace and revelation of the Holy Spirit bestowed by the imposition of the apostles’ hands after baptism.”¹³⁸⁵ This is the specific meaning of baptism. The two phrases complete each other, illustrating the distinction between the two sacraments while being connected to each other.

Miltiades of Rome in the fourth century says, “The Holy Spirit, Who comes down on the waters of Baptism bearing salvation in His flight, bestows at the font, the fullness of innocence; but in Confirmation He confers an increase of grace. In Baptism we are born again unto life; after Baptism we are strengthened.”¹³⁸⁶

Tertullian in the second century, says, “The hand is laid on us, invoking and inviting the Holy Spirit through benediction … Then, over our cleansed and blessed bodies willingly descends from the Father that Holiest Spirit.”¹³⁸⁷

In the fourth century, Pacian of Barcelona distinguished between the two sacraments saying, “For by baptism sins are washed away; by chrism the Holy Spirit is poured out upon [the individual]. Yet both of these are obtained through the action and words of the bishop. And so it is that the whole man is born again and renewed in Christ.”¹³⁸⁸

St. Augustine also distinguishes between baptism and chrismation, calling the former “spiritual birth” and the latter “nourishment of the Spirit.” In baptism, the believer is born by the Spirit and receives the forgiveness of sins. The first gift prepares the way for the other gifts of the Spirit. It is the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Himself by whom we are

1384 Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) 1.3.2 (ANF 4:252).

1385 Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) 1.3.7 (ANF 4:254).

1386 Miltiades of Rome or Pope Melchiades: quoted in Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica 3.62.1.

1387 Tertullian, On Baptism 8 (ANF 3:672).

1388 Pacian of Barcelona, On Baptism 6 (FOTC 99:92).

cleansed and are forgiven. He dwells in us to help us in every good deed, for our growth and our perfection.¹³⁸⁹